--- description: The Federal Communications Commission voted unanimously this week to allow Wi-Fi networks greater access to the public airwaves. title: FCC Vote Clears the Way for Faster Wi-Fi image: https://static.time.com/v3/assets/bltea6093859af6183b/bltde093bcdab65f2d0/6988d9b9bc6cfc69913e2a3c/time-logo.jpg?branch=production --- * [Business](/section/business/) ## Business Update your preferences in [Account Settings](/account/preferences/) Close * [Tech](/tag/time-section-tech/) ## Tech Update your preferences in [Account Settings](/account/preferences/) Close # FCC Vote Clears the Way for Faster Wi-Fi by [Techlicious](/author/techlicious/) ## Techlicious Update your preferences in [Account Settings](/account/preferences/) Close Apr 2, 2014 6:36 PM CUT by [Techlicious](/author/techlicious/) ## Techlicious Update your preferences in [Account Settings](/account/preferences/) Close Apr 2, 2014 6:36 PM CUT The Federal Communications Commission voted unanimously this week to allow [Wi-Fi networks](http://www.techlicious.com/tip/how-to-protect-your-privacy-on-public-wifi-networks/ "undefined") greater access to the public airwaves, officially clearing the way for faster Wi-Fi data connections. Currently, Wi-Fi networks are allowed to communicate using two different public frequency bands: 2.4GHz and 5GHz. The new FCC rule expands the amount of the 5GHz band dedicated for use in Wi-Fi communications by 100MHz, opening up the possibility of ultra-high-speed Gigabit Wi-Fi in our homes. “This is a big win for consumers who will be able to enjoy faster connections and less congestion, as more spectrum will be available to handle Wi-Fi traffic,” [explains FCC Chairman Tom Wheeler](https://www.fcc.gov/article/doc-326341a3 "undefined"). “It will [make it easier to get online wirelessly](http://www.techlicious.com/guide/boost-your-wifi-with-a-range-extender/ "undefined") in public places like airports and convention centers, as well as in your living room.” It’s not yet known how long it will take for router companies to release products that take advantage of the extra bandwidth. _This article was written by Fox Van Allen and_ [_originally appeared on Techlicious_](http://www.techlicious.com/blog/fcc-clears-the-way-for-gigabit-wifi/ "undefined")_._ **More from Techlicious:** * [6 Great Sites & Apps for Taking Fitness Classes at Home](http://www.techlicious.com/tip/great-sites-apps-for-fitness-classes-at-home/ "undefined") * [Government Mandates Backup Cameras in All Cars Sold after May 2018](http://www.techlicious.com/blog/nhtsa-car-backup-camera-mandate-2018/ "undefined") * [How to Stop People from Tagging You in Photos on Twitter](http://www.techlicious.com/blog/how-to-disable-twitter-photo-tagging/ "undefined") * [OKCupid Blocks Mozilla Firefox over Gay Marriage Dispute](http://www.techlicious.com/blog/okcupid-blocks-mozilla-firefox-connections-over-prop-8/ "undefined") * [Virgin America’s April Fools: A Nest Thermostat at Every Seat](http://www.techlicious.com/blog/virgin-america-april-fools-a-nest-thermostat-at-every-seat/ "undefined") ```json [{"@context":"https://schema.org","@type":"NewsArticle","@id":"https://time.com/47222/fcc-vote-clears-the-way-for-faster-wi-fi/","mainEntityOfPage":{"@type":"WebPage","@id":"https://time.com/47222/fcc-vote-clears-the-way-for-faster-wi-fi/"},"headline":"FCC Vote Clears the Way for Faster Wi-Fi","datePublished":"2014-04-02T18:36:49.000Z","dateModified":"2026-04-13T08:01:53.043Z","description":"The Federal Communications Commission voted unanimously this week to allow Wi-Fi networks greater access to the public airwaves.","url":"https://time.com/47222/fcc-vote-clears-the-way-for-faster-wi-fi/","keywords":["Tech","Innovation","Internet","FCC","Internet Access","Web","Wi-Fi"],"thumbnailUrl":"","author":[{"@type":"Person","name":"Techlicious","jobTitle":null,"url":"https://time.com/author/techlicious/"}],"articleSection":"Business","image":[],"publisher":{"@type":"Organization","name":"Time","url":"https://time.com/","logo":{"@type":"ImageObject","url":"https://time.com/images/logo.png","width":528,"height":156},"foundingDate":"March 3, 1923","sameAs":["https://www.facebook.com/time","https://www.instagram.com/time/?hl=en","https://twitter.com/time","https://www.pinterest.com/timemagazine"]}},{"@context":"https://schema.org","@type":"BreadcrumbList","itemListElement":[{"@type":"ListItem","position":1,"item":{"@id":"/section/business/","name":"Business"}},{"@type":"ListItem","position":2,"item":{"@id":"/tag/time-section-tech/","name":"Tech"}},{"@type":"ListItem","position":3,"item":{"@id":"https://time.com/47222/fcc-vote-clears-the-way-for-faster-wi-fi/","name":"FCC Vote Clears the Way for Faster Wi-Fi"}}]}] ```